Apparatus for management of access key used for locker access

The present invention pertains to lockers having controllable access thereto, and/or assemblies associated therewith.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,764,176 (Inventor: Wenhao QIN) discloses a method for confirming a entry state and/or an exit state of a mobile object relative to an entrance of an underground passageway by utilizing Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology.

U.S. Patent Publication Number 2011/0074541 (Inventors: Matthew Preston JONES et al.) discloses a system for managing a plurality of lockers proximate a theme park attraction. The system has an electronically actuated lock disposed on the plurality of lockers. A guest identifier is carried by the user. The identifier is used as an electronic key configured to lock and unlock the lock.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,494,805 (inventor: Philip J. WASHBURN) discloses a ski locker building having rows of lockers each configured to receive the mid-portion of a pair of skis in such a way that he skis are confined against lengthwise removal.

In one embodiment, the present invention provides an apparatus for use with a rack of lockers. The apparatus comprises a key-facilitation server configured to: (A) cooperate with a locker server, and (B) receive a key-access request. The locker server is associated with a rack of lockers including a first compartment configured to allow storage of secondary equipment, a second compartment having an open locker slot configured to maintain storage of equipment, and a locker divider separating the first compartment from the second compartment. The key-access request is configured to indicate a user request. The user request is configured to request usage of an access key. The access key is configured to be usable by the locker server. The locker server is configured to receive a locker-access request. The locker-access request is configured to indicate access of a selected locker is user requested. The locker server is configured to use the access key so as to facilitate secured user access of the selected locker associated with the rack of lockers.

In a second embodiment, the present invention provides an apparatus for use with a rack of lockers. The apparatus comprises a point-of-presence server configured to cooperate with a locker server, operatively communicate with a key-facilitation server, and receive a key-access request. The locker server is associated with a rack of lockers including a first compartment configured to allow storage of secondary equipment, a second compartment having an open locker slot configured to maintain storage of equipment, and a locker divider separating the first compartment from the second compartment. The key-access request is configured to indicate a user request. The user request is configured to request usage of an access key. The access key is configured to be usable by the locker server. The locker server is configured to receive a locker-access request. The locker-access request is configured to indicate access of a selected locker is user requested. The locker server is configured to use the access key so as to facilitate secured user access of the selected locker associated with the rack of lockers.

In a third embodiment, the present invention provides an apparatus for use with a rack of lockers. The apparatus comprises a locker server configured to cooperate with a key-facilitation server. The locker server is associated with a rack of lockers including a first compartment configured to allow storage of secondary equipment, a second compartment having an open locker slot configured to maintain storage of equipment, and a locker divider separating the first compartment from the second compartment. The key-facilitation server is configured to receive a key-access request. The key-access request is configured to indicate a user request. The user request is configured to request usage of an access key. The access key is configured to be usable by the locker server. The key-facilitation server is configured to transmit a key-deployment indication configured to indicate approved deployment of the access key in such a way that the access key is operatively usable (directly or indirectly) by the locker server.

In a fourth embodiment, the present invention provides an apparatus, comprising: a rack of lockers, including: a first compartment configured to allow storage of dry equipment, and the first compartment is enclosed with a locker wall, a top, bottom panel, and the locker divider; a second compartment having an open locker slot, and the second compartment and the open locker slot are configured to maintain storage of equipment in such a way that the equipment is stored suspended, and the open locker slot is configured to allow sliding, at least in part, of equipment into the second compartment so that at least some of the equipment may remain user viewable; and a locker divider dividing the first compartment from the second compartment in such a way that the locker divider separates wet equipment from dry equipment.

In a fifth embodiment, the present invention provides an apparatus for use with a rack of lockers, the apparatus comprising: an object tangibly embodying an application configured to facilitate communication between the object and a key-facilitation server, the key-facilitation server configured to: cooperate with a locker server associated with the rack of lockers including: a first compartment configured to allow storage of secondary equipment; a second compartment having an open locker slot configured to maintain storage of equipment; and a locker divider separating the first compartment from the second compartment; and receive a key-access request, the key-access request configured to indicate a user request configured to request usage of an access key, the access key configured to be usable by the locker server, the locker server configured to receive a locker-access request, the locker-access request configured to indicate access of a selected locker is user requested, the locker server configured to use the access key so as to facilitate secured user access of the selected locker associated with the rack of lockers.

Other embodiments are also identified in the detailed description.

(a) to provide a means for allowing the user to securely and conveniently store different equipment outdoors (if so desired). (b) to provide a means for generating revenue from fee transactions for using the examples of the invention (if so desired). (c) to provide a means to allow users to view, at least in part, equipment stored in a locker (if so desired). (d) other advantages may be provided by the various options (whether explicitly identified or not explicitly identified as such). The present disclosure can provide a number of advantages depending on the particular aspect, embodiment, and/or configuration. None of the particular objects or advantages that follow must be entirely satisfied as they are non-exclusive alternatives and at least one of the following objects is met; accordingly, several objects and advantages of the present invention are:

These and other objectives and advantages of the instant invention will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein are set forth, by way of illustration and example, certain embodiments of the instant invention. The drawings are intended to constitute a part of this specification and include exemplary embodiments of the present invention and illustrate various objects and features thereof.

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding components throughout the several figures of the Drawings. Elements in the several figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be emphasized relative to other elements for facilitating understanding of the various presently disclosed embodiments. Also, common, but well-understood, elements that are useful or necessary in commercially feasible embodiment are often not depicted in order to facilitate a less obstructed view of these various embodiments of the present disclosure.

98 user 100 key-facilitation server 102 communication link 104 point-of-presence server 105 locker server 106 keypad assembly 107 user screen 108 key-dispensing assembly 110 card-reader assembly 112 communication link 114 locker rack 116 locker door 118 mounting-rack assembly 120 communications card 122 suspended locker rack 124 access key 126 smartphone 128 locker rack 130 lockers 132 barcode scanner 134 near-frequency reader 136 display screen 138 open locker slot 140 screw panels 142 locker divider 150 communications link 152 communications link 154 measured notches 162 second compartment 164 storage space 166 optional leg 170 selected locker 188 handle 194 security latch 198 communication link 204 communication link 206 network 208 article

The following description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but is made merely for the purpose of describing the general principles of exemplary embodiments, many additional embodiments of this invention are possible. It is understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended. The scope of the disclosure should be determined with reference to the Claims. Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic that is described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. Thus, the appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment,” “in an embodiment,” and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment.

Further, the described features, structures, or characteristics of the present disclosure may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. In the Detailed Description, numerous specific details are provided for a thorough understanding of embodiments of the disclosure. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that the embodiments of the present disclosure can be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, and so forth. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the present disclosure. Any alterations and further modifications in the illustrated devices, and such further application of the principles of the invention as illustrated herein are contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates.

Unless otherwise indicated, the drawings are intended to be read (e.g., the arrangement of parts, proportion, degree, etc.) together with the specification, and are to be considered a portion of the entire written description of this invention. As used in the following description, the terms “horizontal”, “vertical”, “left”, “right”, “up” and “down”, as well as adjectival and adverbial derivatives thereof (e.g., “horizontally”, “rightwardly”, “upwardly”, etc.), simply refer to the orientation of the illustrated structure as the particular drawing figure faces the reader. Similarly, the terms “inwardly” and “outwardly” generally refer to the orientation of a surface relative to its axis of elongation, or axis of rotation, as appropriate.

The phrases “at least one,” “one or more,” and “and/or” are open-ended expressions that are both conjunctive and disjunctive in operation. For example, each of the expressions “at least one of A, B and C”, “at least one of A, B, or C”, “one or more of A, B, and C”, “one or more of A, B, or C” and “A, B, and/or C” means A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, or A, B and C together. The terms “a” or “an” entity refers to one or more of that entity. As such, the terms “a” (or “an”), “one or more” and “at least one” can be used interchangeably herein. It is also to be noted that the terms “comprising,” “including,” and “having” can be used interchangeably.

For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the present invention, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same.

10 10 100 105 104 130 100 105 104 130 10 Generally speaking, the drawings (Figs.) depict various schematic representations of the examples of an apparatus. The apparatusmay include at least one (or more) instance of a key-facilitation server, a locker server, a point-of-presence serverand/or a rack of lockers, etc. It will be appreciated that different manufacturers (or a single manufacturer) may make and/or sell at least one or more instances of the key-facilitation server, the locker server, the point-of-presence serverand/or the rack of lockers, etc. The following describes the options (also known as variations, alternatives, and/or modifications) of the apparatusregardless of whether or not the following description identifies whether any such option is explicitly labeled or not explicitly labeled as such.

1 FIG. 1 FIG. 1 10 98 100 102 104 105 106 107 108 110 112 114 116 118 120 122 124 126 128 130 150 152 Referring now to(Sheet), there is depicted schematic representation of the apparatus.also depicts a user, the key-facilitation server, a communication link, the point-of-presence server, the locker server, a keypad assembly, a user screen, a key-dispensing assembly, a card-reader assembly, a communication link, a locker rack, locker doors, a mounting-rack assembly, a communications card, a suspended locker rack, an access key, a smartphone, a locker rack, a rack of lockers, a communications link, and a communications link.

120 120 105 100 104 134 124 105 102 104 100 112 100 105 150 104 105 152 124 105 124 126 126 126 126 126 126 10 10 The communications cardmay be configured to use wireless technology if so required. The communications cardis configured to facilitate operative communication between the locker serverand any one of the key-facilitation serverand/or the point-of-presence serveras may be required. The near-frequency readeris configured to facilitate operative communication between the access keyand the locker server. The communication linkis configured to facilitate operative communications (directly or indirectly) between the point-of-presence serverand the key-facilitation server. The communication linkis configured to facilitate operative communications (directly or indirectly) between the key-facilitation serverand the locker server. The communications linkis configured to facilitate operative communications (directly or indirectly) between the point-of-presence serverand the locker server. The communications linkis configured to facilitate communications between an object (device, mechanism) that holds the access keyand the locker server. It will be appreciated that an example of the object that tangibly stores or holds the access keyis the smartphone(but not limited thereto) or included in the smartphone. The object may be the smartphone, type of cell phone, any type of transmitting device, a portable computer, a tablet, or any equivalent thereof. The smartphoneis a mobile phone built on a mobile operating system, with more advanced computing capability and connectivity than a feature phone. The smartphonemay combine a personal digital assistant (PDA) with a mobile phone, along with a portable media player, a digital camera, and/or a GPS (Global Positioning System) navigation unit, to form a multi-use device. The smartphonemay also include a high-resolution touchscreen and a web browser that displays web pages as well as mobile-optimized sites. It will be appreciated that the aspects of the apparatusare not limited to a Smartphone per se; the apparatusmay work with any object that is equivalent to Smartphone or any other devices that do not have to be a Smartphone per se.

98 98 98 The userhas personal belongings, such as a food item, a bag, etc., and/or equipment, sporting-goods equipment, such as skis, snowboards, bicycles, skateboards, scooters, motorized vehicles, elongated equipment, non-elongated equipment, etc., that the userwants to securely store. This may occur in places such as ski resorts, beaches, parks, universities, municipalities, and any place where people generally congregate. The usermay also want to retrieve and move their personal belongings from one secure location to another secure location.

130 98 130 116 130 114 128 130 A rack of lockersincludes any material configured to allow the contents therein to be secured to the satisfaction of the user. The material preferably includes metal components, and any durable material is suitable. The rack of lockersincludes at least one or more instances of a selectable locker (available locker) each having at least one or more locker doorsconfigured to secure access to a respective instance of the selectable locker. The rack of lockersmay include instances of a locker rackconfigured to be positioned back-to-back with another locker rack, on top of each other, or configured in any preferable manner. In the case where the rack of lockersis installed at a ski resort, the components are placed outdoors in proximity of each other.

130 122 118 118 122 118 130 130 118 In accordance with an option, the rack of lockersincludes a suspended locker rack, and a mounting-rack assembly(also called a foundation). The mounting-rack assemblyis configured to support or mount the suspended locker rackin air (off the ground). The mounting-rack assemblyis configured to be durable enough to secure the rack of lockersin the air without appreciable risk of the rack of lockersinadvertently falling. The mounting-rack assemblypreferably includes metal components or any durable material suitable for its purpose (or equivalent thereof).

130 130 114 118 130 128 128 116 116 130 120 130 126 98 124 100 104 105 The rack of lockersis configured to include metal components and/or plastic components. The rack of lockersis configured to include the locker rackpositioned in a back-to-back arrangement, suspended in the air on a stable set of beams extending from the mounting-rack assembly. The rack of lockersincludes a locker rack(facing a back side) configured to be assignable for reservation. Each instance of a locker (of the locker rack) includes an instance of the locker doors. The instance of the locker doorsis configured to secure or restrict access to equipment belonging to one or more users. The rack of lockersincludes electronic equipment configured to be powered by a battery source that is either of the rechargeable type or of the plug-in type. A communications cardis placed within or on the rack of lockers, and is configured to supply wireless connection. Optionally, a smartphoneof the userincludes an application configured to provide a system-compatible application that stores and provides the access keyfor use with the key-facilitation server, the point-of-presence server, and/or the locker server.

100 104 105 100 102 112 150 104 100 130 104 The key-facilitation serveris configured to operatively connect to the point-of-presence serverand the locker server. According to an option, the key-facilitation serveris configured to manage the communication link, the communication link, and the communications link. Communication between the point-of-presence server, the key-facilitation server, and the rack of lockersis configured to be synchronized by a network (either wireless or non-wireless) that centrally stores and manages data information and/or a collection of access keys. POP (point-of-presence) is an access point to a network, such as the Internet. The point-of-presence serveris a device configured to access the network at a selected instance of the access point of the network. ISPs (Internet Service Providers) have multiple POP devices. A point of presence is a physical location, either part of the facilities of a telecommunications provider that the ISP rents or a separate location from the telecommunications provider, that houses servers, routers, switches, and/or digital/analog called aggregators (etc.). The Internet is a global network configured to connect many computers together globally, forming a network in which any computer can communicate with any other computer, as long as they are both connected to the Internet. The World Wide Web, or simply the Web, is a way of accessing information over the medium of the Internet. It is an information-sharing model that is built on top of the Internet.

104 150 130 100 104 107 104 106 98 104 110 108 108 104 124 98 124 124 124 124 104 124 98 124 130 124 The point-of-presence serveris configured to facilitate or provide a mobile hotspot with hard-wire LAN networks (Local Area Network) or a wireless connection configured to establish the communications linkwith the rack of lockers. Operation of the key-facilitation servermay include, but is not limited to, RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) technology, Bluetooth technology, self-set pin code technology, voice recognition technology, biometrics technology, and/or bar code technology (and any equivalent thereof). The point-of-presence serverincludes a user screenconfigured to display operable options for the guest (user). The point-of-presence serverincludes the keypad assemblyconfigured to receive input commands from the user. The point-of-presence serverincludes a card-reader assemblyconfigured to read a credit card or other (debit card), and the key-dispensing assembly. The key-dispensing assemblymay be configured for near-frequency operation, or barcode operation. The point-of-presence serveris configured to distribute (directly or indirectly) at least one instance of the access key(to the user) in an object (device) that tangibly stores or holds the access key. Examples of the object (device) may include an RFID card, a bracelet mechanism, a sticker assembly, a band structure, etc., (and any equivalent thereof). The access keymay be configured for a near-frequency operation if so desired. It is understood that any reference to the access keymay include (implicitly or explicitly) the object that stores the access key. According to an option, the point-of-presence serveris configured to facilitate the purchase of the access keyfor usage by the user. Each instance of the access keyis configured to enable or facilitate locking and unlocking of an instance of a selected locker of the rack of lockersas required or identified by the user of the access key.

108 124 98 104 124 126 98 130 126 126 130 126 105 130 126 126 130 110 104 126 130 130 124 The key-dispensing assemblyis configured to distribute the access keyto the userin response to the point-of-presence serverfacilitating a successful user purchase of the access key(or facilitate distribution thereof). Optionally, the smartphoneof the usermay be configured to transport a pre-paid unique barcode configured to unlock and lock the selected locker of the rack of lockers. For the case where the Smartphoneincludes an app (an application otherwise called a software program), the app of the Smartphoneis configured to permit the user to operate (that is, to gain access to) an instance of a locker of the rack of lockers(either with or without the use of a barcode if so desired). In order to facilitate user access to a locker, the app of the Smartphoneis configured to suitably interface with the API (Application Program Interface) associated with the locker controller (that is, the locker server) of the rack of lockers. The API is a set of routines, protocols, and tools for building software applications, etc. For this case, the app of the Smartphoneis configured to unlock and to lock a locker door of the locker (in response to interactions with the user via the user interface of the smartphone); the user may stand or be located remotely from the locker or the user may be standing in front of the locker (as may be desired or required) in order to gain access to the locker. The individual lockers of the rack of lockersare configured to maintain and secure the stored equipment of the user for an allotted (predetermined) time. Monetary transactions may be conducted under the form of credit cards or debit cards read by a card-reader assembly(or equivalent thereof) positioned on the point-of-presence server. Alternatively, the app (application) installed on the Smartphonetangibly stores registered credit card information (or credentials) in the user's account, etc. According to an option, the individual lockers of the rack of lockersare configured to maintain and secure the stored equipment of the user for however long the user would like (such as a pay-as-you-go approach and not necessarily limited to any predetermined lengths of time. According to another option, a user may sign up (online via a web site) for a membership card or a gift card prior to using an instance of a locker of the rack of lockers. The pre-paid membership card may provide or represent the access keyto the user.

10 98 100 100 Some advantages, without limitation, of the apparatusprovide or allow the userto securely and conveniently store different equipment outdoors. The flexibility of smartphones and near-frequency keys allow the user to conveniently use the key-facilitation serverin various ways. As well, the key-facilitation servermay be configured to generate/collect revenue from the fee transactions of the service, and may enhance the guest experience at establishments.

10 130 10 100 105 100 124 124 105 105 98 98 105 124 130 100 124 124 105 105 124 105 124 130 In view of the foregoing, according to an option, the apparatusis configured for use with the rack of lockers. The apparatusincludes the key-facilitation serverconfigured to cooperate with the locker server. The key-facilitation serveris also configured to receive a key-access request. The key-access request is configured to indicate a user request configured to request usage of the access key. The access keyis configured to be usable by the locker server. The locker serveris configured to receive a locker-access request (from the user). The locker-access request is configured to indicate access of a selected locker the user requested (userprovides an indication or a command to request access). The locker serveris configured to use the access keyso as to facilitate secured user access of the selected locker associated with the rack of lockers. In addition, the key-facilitation serveris further configured to transmit a key-deployment indication configured to indicate approved deployment of the access keyin such a way that the access keyis operatively usable (directly or indirectly) by the locker server. In response to the locker serverreceiving (directly or indirectly) the locker-access request and the access key, the locker serverfacilitates, by using the access key, secured user access to the selected locker of the rack of lockers.

10 100 124 100 100 100 100 130 According to yet another option, the apparatusis adapted such that the key-facilitation serveris further configured to receive a user-payment record. The user-payment record is configured to indicate a payment option in which to pay for usage of the access key. The key-facilitation serveris further configured to transmit a payment request, in response to receiving the user-payment record, to a financial-transaction server. The payment request is configured to request the financial-transaction server to transact payment for the access key. The key-facilitation serveris further configured to receive a payment confirmation from the financial-transaction server. The payment confirmation is configured to confirm successful payment transaction was executed and associated with the user-payment record. The key-facilitation serveris further configured to transmit the key-deployment indication in response to receiving the payment confirmation from the financial-transaction server. The key-facilitation serveris further configured to maintain and manage billing and metering of transactions associated with the rack of lockers.

10 105 100 124 105 100 130 100 According to yet another option, the apparatusis adapted such that the locker serveris further configured to operatively connect (directly or indirectly) with the selected locker. The key-facilitation serveris further configured to selectively lock and unlock the selected locker by using the access key, in response to the locker serverreceiving the locker-access request. The locker-access request is configured to indicate access to the selected locker is user requested. In accordance with an alternative, the key-facilitation serveris configured to remotely (selectively) open and close an instance of the locker of the rack of lockers(in response to receiving a command from the user of the key-facilitation serverto do just so).

10 100 104 104 104 100 104 100 104 124 124 105 105 124 105 124 130 According to another option, the apparatusis further adapted so that the key-facilitation serveris configured to operatively communicate with a point-of-presence server. The point-of-presence serveris configured to receive (directly or indirectly) the key-access request. The point-of-presence serveris further configured to transmit (directly or indirectly) the key-access request to the key-facilitation server. The point-of-presence serveris further configured to receive the key-deployment indication from the key-facilitation server. The point-of-presence serveris further configured to transmit the access keythe access keyto the locker server. This is done in such a way that in response to the locker serverreceiving the locker-access request and the access key, the locker serverfacilitates (by using the access key) secured user access to the selected locker of the rack of lockers.

10 104 104 105 104 100 104 124 105 105 105 124 130 104 100 104 100 100 124 124 105 104 124 105 105 124 105 124 130 105 124 105 124 130 According to another option, the apparatusincludes a point-of-presence server. The point-of-presence serveris configured to cooperate with a locker server. The point-of-presence serveris further configured to operatively communicate with the key-facilitation server. The point-of-presence serveris further configured to receive a key-access request. The key-access request is configured to indicate a user request configured to request usage of the access key. The access keyis configured to be usable by a locker server. The locker serveris configured to receive a locker-access request. The locker-access request is configured to indicate access of a selected locker is user requested. The locker serveris configured to use the access keyso as to facilitate secured user access of the selected locker associated with the rack of lockers. The point-of-presence serveris further configured to transmit (directly or indirectly) the key-access request to the key-facilitation server. The point-of-presence serveris further configured to receive a key-deployment indication from the key-facilitation server. The key-facilitation serveris configured to transmit the key-deployment indication configured to indicate approved deployment of the access keyin such a way that the access keyis operatively usable (directly or indirectly) by the locker server. The point-of-presence serveris further configured to transmit the access keyto the locker server. This is done in such a way that in response to the locker serverreceiving the locker-access request and the access key, the locker serverfacilitates (by using the access key) secured user access to the selected locker of the rack of lockers. In response to the locker serverreceiving (directly or indirectly) the locker-access request and the access key, the locker serverfacilitates, by using the access key, secured user access to the selected locker of the rack of lockers.

104 104 124 108 108 124 105 105 124 105 124 130 According to another option, the point-of-presence serveris adapted in such a way that the point-of-presence serveris further configured to transmit the access keyto the key-dispensing assembly. The key-dispensing assemblyis configured to transmit (directly or indirectly) the access keyto the locker server. This is done in such a way that in response to the locker serverreceiving (directly or indirectly) the locker-access request and the access key, the locker serverfacilitates (by using the access key) secured user access to the selected locker of the rack of lockers.

10 100 130 124 124 105 105 130 105 124 130 124 124 105 105 124 105 124 130 It will be appreciated that the apparatusmay use a method of operating the key-facilitation serverfor use with a rack of lockers. The method includes receiving the key-access request. The key-access request is configured to indicate the user request configured to request usage of an access key. The access keyis configured to be usable by a locker server. The locker serveris configured to receive a locker-access request. The locker-access request is configured to indicate access of a selected locker of the rack of lockersis user requested. The locker serveris configured to use the access keyso as to facilitate secured user access of the selected locker associated with the rack of lockers. The method also includes transmitting a key-deployment indication configured to indicate approved deployment of the access keyin such a way that the access keyis operatively usable (directly or indirectly) by the locker server. In response to the locker serverreceiving (directly or indirectly) the locker-access request and the access key, the locker serverfacilitates, by using the access key, secured user access to the selected locker of the rack of lockers.

10 130 10 105 105 100 100 124 124 105 100 124 124 105 105 105 105 124 130 In view of the foregoing, in accordance with an option, the apparatusis configured for use with a rack of lockers. The apparatusincludes an instance of the locker server. The locker serveris configured to cooperate with the key-facilitation server. The key-facilitation serveris configured to receive a key-access request. The key-access request is configured to indicate the user request configured to request usage of an access key. The access keyis configured to be usable by the locker server. The key-facilitation serveris configured to transmit a key-deployment indication configured to indicate approved deployment of the access keyin such a way that the access keyis operatively usable (directly or indirectly) by the locker server. The locker serveris further configured to receive a locker-access request. The locker-access request is configured to indicate access of a selected locker of the rack of locker serveris user requested. The locker serveris further configured to use an access keyso as to facilitate secured user access of the selected locker associated with the rack of lockers.

10 130 105 105 100 100 124 124 105 100 124 124 105 105 105 105 124 130 In view of the foregoing, in accordance with an option, the apparatusis configured for use with the rack of lockershaving the locker server. The locker serveris configured to cooperate with a key-facilitation server. The key-facilitation serveris configured to receive a key-access request. The key-access request is configured to indicate a user request configured to request usage of an access key. The access keyis configured to be usable by the locker server. The key-facilitation serveris configured to transmit a key-deployment indication configured to indicate approved deployment of the access keyin such a way that the access keyis operatively usable (directly or indirectly) by the locker server. The locker serveris further configured to receive a locker-access request. The locker-access request is configured to indicate access of a selected locker of the rack of locker serveris user requested. The locker serveris further configured to use the access keyso as to facilitate secured user access of the selected locker associated with the rack of lockers.

2 FIG. 1 FIG. 2 FIG. 2 130 118 120 134 136 130 120 136 132 134 130 98 124 126 134 132 130 100 130 136 105 98 124 126 116 98 100 126 100 100 126 126 126 126 126 100 130 126 100 126 126 100 100 Referring now to(Sheet), there is depicted a rear view of a schematic representation of the rack of lockersof. Also depicted are the mounting-rack assembly, the communications card, the near-frequency reader, and the display screen. In accordance with, the rack of lockersincludes (or provides) the communications card, a display screen, a barcode scanner, and a near-frequency reader. In accordance with an option, the rack of lockersmay be stationary (not movable), or may be movable as may be required to satisfy a particular use/application. The usermay use the access key(such as, a barcode of the smartphone) to access a selected locker by using the near-frequency readeror barcode scannerlocated (positioned) on the rack of lockers. The barcode scanners are (optional) placed into a central scanning screen. The key-facilitation serveris configured to monitor occupancy and security of each locker on the rack of lockers. Once a key or code is read and approved, a display screen(of the locker server) is configured to permit the usermay to view locker availability. The user may then access a locker that corresponds to the access key(or barcode of the smartphone). After the locker doorshave unlocked and opened, the user may store equipment therein, and the locker doors may be either be manually closed by the useror may be closed by a computer-controlled timer assembly (known and not depicted). Additionally, the key-facilitation serveris configured to notify a user via a smartphonewhen the locker time is approaching the run out of time (or that time has run out). According to an option, a timer is not used and the apparatus (the key-facilitation server) is set up and is operated on a pay-as-you-go basis (if so desired) without the use of a timer for recording the amount of time that the locker was rented, etc. In the case where the user leaves equipment in the locker after time has run out, the key-facilitation serveris configured to issue an alert message to a support worker that may then transport the belongings to a lost-and-found location or office. In accordance with an option, the smartphone(and any equivalent thereof) is configured to tangibly store and execute an app (otherwise known as an application). For the case where a user leaves (that is, abandons) equipment in the locker for a certain (predetermined) amount of time (the amount of time may be determined by the facility operating the locker, such as a ski resort, a university, etc.), the system is configured to issue a notification to be transmitted to the user (via the smartphonefor example). The notification (to be displayed on the smartphone) provides an indication to the user that their equipment is currently stored in the locker, and the contents of the locker will be emptied and then transported to a lost-and-found location or office (for subsequent safe storage of their equipment). In this manner, the user may then obtain the equipment from the lost-and-found location (and not from the locker itself), and the empty locker is now available for usage by another user (in the meantime). The app is configured to facilitate wireless communication via a carrier service associated with the smartphone. Specifically, the app is configured to facilitate wireless communication between the smartphoneand the key-facilitation server. Amongst other things, the app is configured to facilitate access to an instance of locker of the rack of lockers, facilitate request and payments, etc. for the user of the smartphone(and any equivalent thereof). In accordance with an option, the apparatus includes an object tangibly embodying an application configured to facilitate communication between the object and the key-facilitation server. It will be appreciated that an example of the object includes smartphone. In accordance with an option, the smartphoneis configured to ping (notify) a user with special offers and/or complimentary services based on their interaction and/or location relative to the location of the lockers. In accordance with an option, the application is configured to facilitate communication between the object and the key-facilitation servervia the point-of-presence server. As well, it will be appreciated in accordance with another option; the application is configured to facilitate communication between the object and the key-facilitation servervia a locker server associated with a rack of lockers.

3 FIG. 1 FIG. 3 130 140 170 130 130 138 140 98 138 130 130 140 130 138 130 Referring now to(Sheet), there is depicted a front view of a schematic representation of the rack of lockersof. Depicted are the screw panels, and the selected lockerof the rack of lockers, the rack of lockers, each open locker slot, and screw panels. The userprovides equipment that may be slidably received through each open locker slotto maintain the security and placement of equipment secured by the rack of lockers. The rack of lockersis configured to provide or to display open locker slots that expose the equipment of the user to outdoor elements. The screw panels(an option) are configured to allow (slidable) insertion of a panel into a top section and a bottom section of each lockersso that the open slot of the open locker slotmay be closed thus concealing equipment from outdoor elements. In accordance with an option, each locker of the rack of lockershas an indicator configured to indicate locker-availability status; for example: the indicator may indicate to a user which locker is available or is in use. A green colored indicator may indicate that a locker is available for use; a red indicator may indicate that specific locker is currently not available for use.

4 FIG. 1 FIG. 4 170 130 138 142 146 160 162 164 166 146 146 160 160 130 164 164 142 142 130 130 Referring now to(Sheet), there is depicted a schematic representation of a selected lockerof the rack of lockersof. Also depicted are the open locker slot, the locker divider, the hanger, the first compartment, the second compartment, the storage space, and the optional leg. The hangerincludes at least one or more hinges (of metal material). The hangeris fixedly positioned on the inside of first compartment. Within the first compartmentof the rack of lockersthere is located a storage space. The storage spaceis configured to receive a backpack and/or oversized items. An advantage of the locker divideris that the locker dividerseparates the wet equipment from the dry equipment thus allowing for convenient organization within the rack of lockers. Additionally, the open slits are configured to allow improved comfort of sliding equipment into the rack of lockersso that at least some of the equipment may remain viewable to the user.

5 FIG. 1 FIG. 6 6 FIGS.A andB 1 FIG. 1 FIG. 5 130 154 166 118 118 130 118 154 130 154 130 166 130 130 154 6 130 104 106 110 122 166 106 106 150 104 105 130 130 104 130 130 104 104 100 105 Referring now to(Sheet), there is depicted a perspective view of a schematic representation of an example of the rack of lockersof. Also depicted are measured notches, instances of the optional leg, and the mounting-rack assembly. The mounting-rack assemblyof the rack of lockersis configured to adapt to landscape issues. The mounting-rack assemblyis configured to be adjustable to selected vertical positions by locking the beams into the measured notchesalong the front, back and sides of the rack of lockers. An advantage of the measured notchesis the flexibility for positional adjustment (vertical or side to side) of the rack of lockersin order to suit a topographical environment, whether the ground is sloped or flat, etc. Optionally, the instances of the optional leg(extending from the rack of lockers) is configured for insertion into the ground, and the suspension of the rack of lockersmay be adjusted to the measured heights indicated by the measured notchesif so desired. Referring now to(Sheet), there are depicted perspective views of schematic representation of examples of the rack of lockersof. Also depicted are the point-of-presence server, the keypad assembly, the card-reader assembly, the suspended locker rack, and the optional leg. According to an option, the keypad assemblyis located on the touch screen (a preferred option); however, it will be appreciated that the keypad assemblymay be located in any convenient location or position and the apparatus may operate just as well. The communications linkis configured to operatively link (directly or indirectly) communications between the point-of-presence serverto the each instance of the locker serverassociated with the rack of lockers. The rack of lockersincludes the point-of-presence serverlocated (mountably positioned) centrally in the rack of lockers. Variations may include any geometrical configuration of the rack of lockersand of the point-of-presence server. The communication and operation of the point-of-presence server, key-facilitation server, and the locker servermay remain the same as described for(if so desired).

6 FIG.A 166 118 166 104 122 122 130 107 104 130 130 104 107 130 130 Referring now to, an optional legextends from the ground or from the mounting-rack assembly, and the optional legis configured to support the extra weight of the point-of-presence serversuspended in the air with the suspended locker rack. It will be appreciated that the suspended locker rackis a variation of the rack of lockers. The user screenis configured to display the vacancy of the available lockers to users. An advantage of having the point-of-presence serverbuilt into the rack of lockersis for improved user facilitation of the rack of lockersat a convenient location, instead of purchasing keys from a point-of-presence server. The user screenis configured to show occupied and/or empty instances of the rack of lockersto the user, which cannot always be easily determined if no equipment is stored in the rack of lockers. The equipment may be elongated, such as skis, bicycles, etc., or may be non-elongated.

6 FIG.B 118 130 118 130 Referring now to, there is an option depicted in which the mounting-rack assemblyis configured to be mounted (either directly or indirectly) to a wall or ceiling in a room or other structure, and the rack of lockersis fixedly connected to the mounting-rack assembly. In this manner, the rack of lockersis suspended aboveground, in the air.

7 FIG. 1 FIG. 1 FIG. 6 FIG. 7 FIG. 1 FIG. 7 104 104 107 130 98 104 130 104 110 Referring now to(Sheet), there is depicted a perspective view of a schematic representation of an example of the point-of-presence serverof. The point-of-presence serverincludes the user screenconfigured to display vacancy status of available lockers associated with the rack of lockers(depicted in) for use by the user, as explained in the description associated with. For the example of, the point-of-presence serveris a stand-alone unit, and is spaced apart from or separated from (not coupled to) the rack of lockersof. In the case where a card reader is required, the point-of-presence serverincludes the card-reader assemblyconfigured to read credit cards, debit cards, money cards, etc.

8 FIG. 1 FIG. 8 130 170 188 170 104 107 105 105 130 104 130 130 104 Referring now to(Sheet), there is depicted a front view of a schematic representation of an example of the rack of lockersof, along with the selected locker, a handlefor the selected locker, the point-of-presence server, the user screen, and the locker server. The locker serveris configured to control each instance of a locker associated with the rack of lockers. The point-of-presence serveris coupled to a section of the rack of lockers. It will be appreciated that the rack of lockersmay be coupled to the point-of-presence serverby way of any configuration adapted to do just so.

9 FIG. 1 FIG. 8 130 130 118 Referring now to(Sheet), there is depicted a side view of a schematic representation of an example of the rack of lockersof. It will be appreciated that the rack of lockersmay be coupled to the mounting-rack assemblyby way of any structural configuration adapted to do just so.

10 FIG. 1 FIG. 8 130 130 118 Referring now to(Sheet), there is depicted a side view of a schematic representation of an example of the rack of lockersof. It will be appreciated that the rack of lockersmay be coupled to the mounting-rack assemblyby way of any structural configuration adapted to do just so.

11 11 FIGS.A andB 1 FIG. 9 130 194 208 194 208 130 208 130 194 Referring now to(Sheet), there are depicted side views of schematic representations of examples of the rack of lockersof, as well as a security latchand an article(such as a bicycle). The security latchis configured to selectively securely latch a portion of the articleto a section of the rack of lockers. It will be appreciated that any portion of the articlemay be securely latched to any section of the rack of lockersby the security latch.

12 FIG. 1 FIG. 10 10 98 100 124 126 130 112 198 204 Referring now to(Sheet), there is depicted a schematic representation of an example of the apparatusof, as well as the user, the key-facilitation server, the access key(depicted as installed in the smartphone), the rack of lockers, a communication link, a communication link, and a communication link.

100 124 105 112 105 100 206 100 124 105 112 105 124 98 105 105 204 204 105 124 126 105 98 124 126 105 124 105 124 A first key-management arrangement includes the following: the key-facilitation servertransmits the access keyto the locker servervia the communication linkconfigured to facilitate communications between the locker serverand the key-facilitation serverover the network(the Internet). It is understood that the key-facilitation servertransmits the access keyassociated with the user identifier (user ID), along with the user identifier and along with a locker identifier, to the locker servervia the communication link. The locker serverretains the access key, the user identifier and the locker identifier. In the case where the userwants to access the selected locker, the locker servertransmits (directly or indirectly) the user identifier to the locker servervia the communication link. The communication linkis configured to facilitate communications between the locker serverand the device that holds the access key(such as smartphone). The locker serverpermits access to the userin response to receiving the user identifier from the object that holds the access key(such as the smartphone). In the case where the user identifier held by the locker servermatches the user identifier transmitted by the object that holds the access key; then the locker serveruses the access keyto unlock the selected locker associated with the locker identifier that is associated with the user identifier.

100 124 105 112 105 100 206 100 124 105 112 105 105 124 124 126 98 124 126 124 105 204 204 105 124 105 98 124 124 105 124 124 105 124 124 124 126 A second key-management arrangement includes the following: the key-facilitation servertransmits the access keyto the locker servervia the communication linkconfigured to facilitate communications between the locker serverand the key-facilitation serverover the network(the Internet). It is understood that the key-facilitation servertransmits the access keyassociated with the user identifier (user ID), along with the user identifier and along with a locker identifier, to the locker servervia the communication link. The locker serverretains a copy of the user identifier and the locker identifier. The locker servertransmits the access keyto the object that will hold the access key(such as smartphone) that is associated with the user identifier. In the case where the userwants to access the selected locker, the object that holds the access key(Smartphone) transmits the access keyto the locker servervia the communication link. The communication linkis configured to facilitate communications between the locker serverand the object that holds the access key. The locker serverpermits access to the userin response to receiving the access keyfrom the object that holds the access keyfor the case where the locker identifier held by the locker servermatches the access keytransmitted by the object holding the access key. Then the locker serveruses the access keyto unlock the selected locker associated with the access keytransmitted by the object holding the access key(such as the smartphone).

100 124 124 126 198 198 100 124 126 206 100 124 124 126 98 124 124 124 126 124 105 105 98 124 124 105 124 124 126 105 124 124 124 A third key-management arrangement includes the following: the key-facilitation servertransmits the access keyto the object holding the access key(such as the smartphone) via the communication link. The communication linkis configured to facilitate operative communication between the key-facilitation serverand the object holding the access key(such as the smartphone) via the network(the Internet). It is understood that the key-facilitation servertransmits the access keyassociated with the user identifier (user ID) along with a locker identifier, to the object holding the access key(such as the smartphone). For the case where the userwants to access the selected locker, the object holding the access keyretains a copy of the access keyand of the locker identifier. The object holding the access key(such as the smartphone) transmits (in response to receiving a user command to do just so) the access keyto the locker server. The locker serverpermits access to the selected locker to the userin response to receiving the access keyfrom the object holding the access keyfor the case where the locker identifier held by the locker servermatches with (corresponds to) the access keytransmitted by the object holding the access key. The object may be the smartphonefor example. Then the locker serveruses the access keyto unlock the selected locker associated with the access keytransmitted by the object holding the access key.

Servers

A server may be a physical computer (a computer hardware system) dedicated to run one or more services (as a host), to serve the needs of the users of other computers on a network. A server may also be a virtual machine (VM). The virtual machine is a simulation of a computer system (abstract or real) that is usually different from the target computer system (where it is being simulated on). A server may be a cloud-based server; Cloud computing is a colloquial expression used to describe a variety of different computing concepts that involve a large number of computers that are connected through a (real-time) communication network (typically the Internet). Cloud Computing is a jargon term without a commonly accepted non-ambiguous scientific or technical definition. In science, Cloud computing is a synonym for distributed computing over a network and means the ability to run a program on many connected computers at the same time. Virtual machines may be based on the specifications of a hypothetical computer or emulate the architecture and functioning of a real-world computer. The virtual machine is a software implementation of the physical computer system that executes programs like a physical machine. Virtual machines are separated into two major categories, based on their use and degree of correspondence to any real machine. A system virtual machine provides a complete system platform, which supports the execution of a complete operating system (OS). These usually emulate an existing architecture, and are built with either the purpose of providing a platform to run programs where the real hardware is not available for use (for example, executing software on otherwise obsolete platforms), or of having multiple instances of virtual machines lead to more efficient use of computing resources, both in terms of energy consumption and cost effectiveness (known as hardware virtualization, the key to a cloud computing environment), or both. In contrast, a process virtual machine (also, language virtual machine) is designed to run a single program, which means that it supports a single process. Such virtual machines are usually closely suited to one or more programming languages and built with the purpose of providing program portability and flexibility (amongst other things). An essential characteristic of a virtual machine is that the software running inside is limited to the resources and abstractions provided by the virtual machine—it cannot break out of its virtual environment. Depending on the computing service that it offers it could be a database server, file server, mail server, print server, web server, gaming server, or some other kind of server. In the context of client-server architecture, a server is a computer program running to serve the requests of other programs, the clients. Thus, the server performs some computational task on behalf of clients. The clients either run on the same computer or connect through the network. In the context of Internet Protocol (IP) networking, a server is a program that operates as a socket listener. Servers often provide essential services across a network, either to private users inside a large organization or to public users via the Internet.

According to one option, the servers include computer-executable instructions configured to operate the servers in accordance with the description provided above. The servers may use computer software, or just software, which is a collection of computer programs (server-executable instructions) and related data that provide the instructions for instructing the servers what to do and how to do it. In other words, software is a conceptual entity that is a set of computer programs, procedures, and associated documentation concerned with the operation of a controller assembly, also called a data-processing system. Software refers to one or more computer programs and data held in a storage assembly (a memory module) of the controller assembly for some purposes. In other words, software is a set of programs, procedures, algorithms and its documentation. Program software performs the function of the program it implements, either by directly providing instructions to computer hardware or by serving as input to another piece of software. In computing, an executable file (executable instructions) causes the servers to perform indicated tasks according to encoded instructions, as opposed to a data file that must be parsed by a program to be meaningful. These instructions are machine-code instructions for a physical central processing unit. However, in a more general sense, a file containing instructions (such as byte-code) for a software interpreter may also be considered executable; even a scripting language source file may therefore be considered executable in this sense. While an executable file can be hand-coded in machine language, it is far more usual to develop software as source code in a high-level language understood by humans, or in some cases, an assembly language more complex for humans but more closely associated with machine code instructions. The high-level language is compiled into either an executable machine code file or a non-executable machine-code object file; the equivalent process on assembly language source code is called assembly. Several object files are linked to create the executable. The same source code can be compiled to run under different operating systems, usually with minor operating-system-dependent features inserted in the source code to modify compilation according to the target. Conversion of existing source code for a different platform is called porting. Assembly-language source code and executable programs are not transportable in this way. An executable comprises machine code for a particular processor or family of processors. Machine-code instructions for different processors are completely different and executables may be incompatible. Some dependence on the particular hardware, such as a particular graphics card may be coded into the executable. It is usual as far as possible to remove such dependencies from executable programs designed to run on a variety of different hardware, instead installing hardware-dependent device drivers on the servers, which the program interacts with in a standardized way. Some operating systems designate executable files by filename extension (such as .exe) or noted alongside the file in its metadata (such as by marking an execute permission in Unix-like operating systems). Most also check that the file has a valid executable file format to safeguard against random bit sequences inadvertently being run as instructions. Operating systems retain control over the resources of the servers, requiring that individual programs make system calls to access privileged resources. Since each operating system features its own system call architecture, executable files are generally tied to specific operating systems, or families of operating systems. There are many tools available that make executable files made for one operating system work on another one by implementing a similar or compatible application binary interface. When the binary interface of the hardware the executable was compiled for differs from the binary interface on which the executable is run, the program that does this translation is called an emulator. Different files that can execute but do not necessarily conform to a specific hardware binary interface, or instruction set, can be represented either in byte-code for Just-in-time compilation, or in source code for use in a scripting language.

According to another option, the servers may include application-specific integrated circuits configured to operate the servers in accordance with the description provided above. According to another option, the servers may include a combination of the application-specific integrated circuits and the software. It may be appreciated that an alternative to using software (controller-executable instructions) in the server is to use an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), which is an integrated circuit (IC) customized for a particular use, rather than intended for general-purpose use. For example, a chip designed solely to run a cell phone is an ASIC. Some ASICs include entire 32-bit processors, memory blocks including ROM (random only memory), RAM (random access memory), EEPROM (electronically erasable programmable read only memory), flash memory and other large building blocks. Such an ASIC is often termed a SoC (system-on-chip). Designers of digital ASICs use a hardware description language (HDL) to describe the functionality of ASICs. Field-programmable gate arrays (FPGA) are used for building a breadboard or prototype from standard parts; programmable logic blocks and programmable interconnects allow the same FPGA to be used in many different applications. For smaller designs and/or lower production volumes, FPGAs may be more cost effective than an ASIC design. A field-programmable gate array (FPGA) is an integrated circuit designed to be configured by the customer or designer after manufacturing—hence field-programmable. The FPGA configuration is generally specified using a hardware description language (HDL), similar to that used for an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) (circuit diagrams were previously used to specify the configuration, as they were for ASICs, but this is increasingly rare). FPGAs can be used to implement any logical function that an ASIC could perform. The ability to update the functionality after shipping, partial re-configuration of the portion of the design and the low non-recurring engineering costs relative to an ASIC design offer advantages for many applications. FPGAs contain programmable logic components called logic blocks, and a hierarchy of reconfigurable interconnects that allow the blocks to be wired together—somewhat like many (changeable) logic gates that can be inter-wired in (many) different configurations. Logic blocks can be configured to perform complex combinational functions, or merely simple logic gates like AND and XOR. In most FPGAs, the logic blocks may include memory elements, which may be simple flip-flops, or more complete blocks of memory. In addition to digital functions, some FPGAs have analog features. The most common analog feature is a programmable slew rate and drive strength on each output pin, allowing the engineer to set slow rates on lightly loaded pins that would otherwise ring unacceptably, and to set stronger, faster rates on heavily loaded pins on high-speed channels that would otherwise run too slow. Another relatively common analog feature is differential comparators on input pins designed to be connected to differential signaling channels. A few “mixed signal FPGAs” have integrated peripheral Analog-to-Digital Converters (ADCs) and Digital-to-Analog Converters (DACs) with analog signal conditioning blocks allowing them to operate as a system-on-a-chip. Such devices blur the line between an FPGA, which carries digital ones and zeros on its internal programmable interconnect fabric, and field-programmable analog array (FPAA), which carries analog values on its internal programmable interconnect fabric.

Server (Computer) Programming Language

A computer programming language is an artificial language designed to communicate instructions to a machine, particularly (or such as) a computer system. Programming languages can be used to create programs that control the behavior of a machine and/or to express algorithms precisely. The earliest programming languages predate the computer system, and were used to direct the behavior of machines such as Jacquard looms and player pianos. Thousands of different programming languages have been created, mainly in the computer field, with many being created every year. Most programming languages describe computation in an imperative style, i.e., as a sequence of commands, although some languages, such as those that support functional programming or logic programming, use alternative forms of description. The description of a programming language is usually split into the two components of syntax (form) and semantics (meaning). Some languages are defined by a specification document (for example, the C programming language is specified by an ISO Standard), while other languages, such as PERL, have a dominant implementation that is used as a reference. PERL may be used, but other computer programming languages may be employed or used (if so desired).

Executable Code (Instructions)

In computing, an executable code (file) causes a computer “to perform indicated tasks according to encoded instructions,” as opposed to a data file that must be parsed by a program to be meaningful. Executable code (instructions) is formed based on instructions made from a computer programming language. These instructions are traditionally machine code instructions for a physical CPU. However, in a more general sense, a file containing instructions (such as byte-code) for a software interpreter may also be considered executable; even a scripting language source file may therefore be considered executable in this sense. The exact interpretation depends upon the use; while the term often refers only to machine code files, in the context of protection against computer virus that may corrupt files, which cause potentially hazardous instruction execution, including scripts, are conveniently lumped together. While an executable file can be hand-coded in machine language, it is far more usual to develop software as source code in a high-level language easily understood by humans or in some cases an assembly language more complex for humans but more closely associated with machine code instructions. The high-level language is compiled into either an executable machine code file or a non-executable machine-code object file of some sort; the equivalent process on assembly language source code is called assembly. Several object files are linked to create the executable. The same source code can be compiled to run under different operating systems, usually with minor operating-system-dependent features inserted in the source code to modify compilation according to the target. Conversion of existing source code for a different platform is called porting. Assembly-language source code, and executable programs, is not transportable in this way. An executable comprises machine code for a particular processor or family of processors. Machine-code instructions for different processors are completely different and executables may be incompatible. Some dependence on the particular hardware, such as a particular graphics card may be coded into the executable. It is usual to remove such dependencies from executable programs designed to run on a variety of different hardware, instead installing hardware-dependent device drivers on the computer, which the program interacts with in a standardized way.

The Internet

The Internet is a global system of interconnected computer networks that use the standard Internet protocol suite (often called TCP/IP, although not all applications use TCP) to serve billions of users worldwide. It is a network of networks that consists of millions of private, public, academic, business, and government networks, of local to global scope, that are linked by a broad array of electronic, wireless and optical networking technologies. The Internet carries an extensive range of information resources and services, such as the inter-linked hypertext documents used in the World Wide Web (WWW) and the infrastructure to support email. Most traditional communications media including telephone, music, film, and television are being reshaped or redefined by the Internet, giving birth to new services such as Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) and Internet Protocol Television (IPTV). The Internet is an example of a network.

Network

A computer network, or simply a network, is a collection of computers and other hardware interconnected by communication channels that allow sharing of resources and information. Where at least one process in one device is able to send/receive data to/from at least one process residing in a remote device, then the two devices are said to be in a network. A network is a group of devices connected to each other. Networks may be classified into a wide variety of characteristics, such as the medium used to transport the data, a communications protocol used, scale, topology, benefit, and organizational scope. Communications protocols define the rules and data formats for exchanging information in a computer network, and provide the basis for network programming. A known communications protocol include an Ethernet standard, a hardware, and link layer standard that is ubiquitous in local-area networks, and the Internet protocol suite, which defines a set of protocols for internet-working, i.e. for data communication between multiple networks, as well as host-to-host data transfer, and application-specific data transmission formats. Computer networking is sometimes considered a sub-discipline of electrical engineering, telecommunications, computer science, information technology, or computer engineering, since it relies upon the application of these disciplines.

Client-Server Architecture

A client/server model is a computing model that acts as a distributed application that partition tasks or workloads between the providers of a resource or service, called servers, and service requesters, called clients. Often clients and servers communicate over a computer network on separate hardware, but both client and server may reside in the same system. A server machine is a host that is running one or more server programs, which share their resources with clients. A client does not share any of its resources, but requests a server's content or service function. Clients, therefore, initiate communication sessions with servers, which await incoming requests. The client/server characteristic describes the relationship of cooperating programs in an application. The server component provides a function or service to one or many clients, which initiate requests for such services. A notable example of this is the way OpenGL treats the video card of a computer as a server, with the actual application making rendering requests to it. This model is further solidified with the OpenGL Shading Language, with the user writing small programs that live in video memory, and are requested from the main program through the graphics driver. Functions such as email exchange, web access, and database access are built on the client/server model. Users accessing banking services from their computer use a web browser client to send a request to a web server at a bank. That web server runs a program which may in turn, forward the request to its own database client program, which sends a request to the bank's database server (which runs on another computer) to retrieve the account information. The balance and transaction records are returned to the bank database client, which in turn serves it back to the user's web browser client, displaying the results to the user. The client-server model has become one of the central aspects of network computing. Many business applications being written today use the client-server model, as do the Internet's main application protocols, such as HTTP (Hypertext Transfer or Transport Protocol), SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol), Telnet (a network protocol that allows a user on one computer to log on to another computer that is part of the same network), and/or DNS (Domain Name System). The interaction between client and server is often described using sequence diagrams. The Unified Modeling Language has support for sequence diagrams. Specific types of clients include web browsers, email clients, and online chat clients. Specific types of servers include web servers, FTP (file transfer protocol) servers, application servers, database servers, name servers, mail servers, file servers, print servers, and terminal servers. Most web services are also types of servers.

Cryptographic Protocol (Access Keys)

124 The access keyis configured to use a cryptographic protocol (security protocol or encryption protocol). The cryptographic protocol is a protocol that performs a security-related function and applies cryptographic methods. The cryptographic protocol provides encryption algorithms to computer records or files. The cryptographic protocol may include details about data structures and representations, at which point the cryptographic protocol may be used to implement multiple, interoperable versions of a computer program and/or computer records. Cryptographic protocols are widely used for secure application-level data transport. A cryptographic protocol may incorporate at least some of the following aspects: (a) key agreement or establishment, (b) entity authentication, (c) symmetric encryption, and message-authentication material construction, (d) secured application-level data transport, (e) non-repudiation methods. For example, Transport Layer Security (TLS) is a cryptographic protocol that is used to secure web (HTTP) connections. It has an entity authentication mechanism, based on the X.509 system; a key setup phase, where a symmetric encryption key is formed by employing public-key cryptography; and an application-level data transport function. These three aspects have important interconnections. Standard TLS does not have non-repudiation support. There are other types of cryptographic protocols as well, and even the term itself has various readings; Cryptographic application protocols often use one or more underlying key agreement methods, which are also sometimes referred to as “cryptographic protocols.” In cryptography, encryption is the process of encoding messages (or information) in such a way that eavesdroppers or hackers cannot read it, but that authorized parties can. In an encryption scheme, the message or information (referred to as plaintext) is encrypted using an encryption algorithm, turning it into an unreadable cipher text. This is usually done with the use of an encryption key, which specifies how the message is to be encoded. Any adversary that can see the cipher text should not be able to determine anything about the original message. An authorized party, however, is able to decode the cipher text using a decryption algorithm that usually requires a secret decryption key that adversaries do not have access thereto. For technical reasons, an encryption scheme usually needs a key-generation algorithm, to randomly produce keys.

Information as herein shown and described in detail is fully capable of attaining the above-described object of the present disclosure, the presently preferred embodiment of the present disclosure; and is, thus, representative of the subject matter; which is broadly contemplated by the present disclosure. The scope of the present disclosure fully encompasses other embodiments which may become obvious to those skilled in the art, and is to be limited, accordingly, by nothing other than the appended claims, wherein any reference to an element being made in the singular is not intended to mean “one and only one” unless explicitly so stated, but rather “one or more.” All structural and functional equivalents to the elements of the above described preferred embodiment and additional embodiments as regarded by those of ordinary skill in the art are hereby expressly incorporated by reference and are intended to be encompassed by the present claims.

Moreover, no requirement exists for a system or method to address each and every problem sought to be resolved by the present disclosure, for such to be encompassed by the present claims. Furthermore, no element, component, or method step in the present disclosure is intended to be dedicated to the public regardless of whether the element, component, or method step is explicitly recited in the claims. However, that various changes and modifications in form, material, work-piece, and fabrication material detail may be made, without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, as set forth in the appended claims, as may be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art, are also encompassed by the present disclosure.